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The nation's bold action to ban social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are observing intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a rising group of states are considering similar measures.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our children's innocence". The policy is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential options on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on the legislature to approve a bill lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic motion demanding a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"An effective age limit is a useful starting point," said a leading European lawmaker driving the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "based on strong data".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to harmful platform posts suggests that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when users become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to create products and services that are safe and fit for young users," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Approach

Stateside, regulation is mostly unfolding at the state level due to federal gridlock.

• Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a bill banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a regulation restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed bills demanding adult authorization for under-16s to open social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various politicians to follow this lead, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.

Worldwide Views

Outside of the West, additional states are also considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, international organizations take a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The agency notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve safety.

As this worldwide debate unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers around the world are no longer prepared to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.